It sits on a hill overlooking downtown Des Moines, and has a 90-foot (27 m) tower that offers a commanding view of the city.

The building's steeply pitched mansard roof, open verandas, long and narrow and frequently paired windows, and bracketed eaves give this house an irreplaceable design.

[3] Terrace Hill was built by Benjamin Franklin Allen, the first millionaire in Iowa, as a home for his family.

The total cost of the project was $250,000 for the Mansion, the Carriage House, the original furnishings, and about 30 acres (120,000 m2) of land.

The house had very modern features for its time, which included hot and cold running water, indoor restrooms, an elevator, and gas lights.

At first, the Iowa government considered building a new home to serve as the governor's residence.

The Hubbell family—the owners of Terrace Hill—then offered the home to the state for use as a residence for the governor and his family.

Governors Terry Branstad (1983–1999, 2011–2017), Tom Vilsack (1999–2007), Chet Culver (2007–2011), and Kim Reynolds (2017–present) have occupied Terrace Hill since then.

Nowadays the building is used as a reception area for most visitors who arrive to tour the home.

Guests would wait while their presence was announced to the owners, and the host or hostess would greet them in that room.

The room also features a 7.5 foot (2.3 m) crystal chandelier, and handcarved, laminated, rosewood Belter furniture.

The Governor of Iowa and the First Family live in the private apartment on the third floor of the house.

Also located in the basement is an Iowa State Patrol security office where an unspecified number of troopers assigned to the premises provide 24/7 protection to the governor of Iowa and Terrace Hill property.

[6] Terrace Hill is open for guided tours Tuesdays through Saturdays at 10:30 am and 12:00 pm by reservation made 48 hours in advance.